President's Message: November 19, 2021
Dear Florida Tech community,
I’m pleased to report that we are having a great week on the COVID-19 front. We know of no new student cases this week. For the third straight week there are no new cases reported among faculty and staff. This is an important milestone for our university community. I commend you all for your hard work.
Exciting other things are happening this fall, and I want to share information with you regarding those activities.
First, let me tell you about the Mertens family. Lawrence “Larry” Mertens had a passion for underwater scientific research and marine life. He and his wife, Margarete, loved the ocean and scuba diving. Larry also enjoyed underwater photography. Larry became Florida Tech’s first marine biology instructor and later the couple established the Lawrence and Margarete Mertens Building Fund to support the development, design and construction of a state-of- the-art facility at the Ralph S. Evinrude Marine Operations Center at the mouth of Crane Creek on Melbourne Harbor. I’m proud to report that building is now under construction. Check out this video to learn more.
Second and staying on the facilities front, I’m excited about plans for a new Health and Wellness Center that will unite three critical service areas in one convenient and expanded location for students. Mental health services, medical health services and mind and body wellness will be comprehensively addressed in a two floor, 22,000 square foot center. I’ll share more about the timetable for this facility as final decisions are made.
Third, we’re launching a new radio program to highlight the strength of our faculty expertise covering a range of topical issues. “Today in STEM” will begin airing on WFIT-FM in January and will be available as a weekly podcast, too. Topics will range from rocket science secrets to the latest on the health of the Amazon rainforest, and everything in between. Stay tuned for more information as we showcase our faculty and share their insights.
Let’s keep working hard, following the COVID-19 protocols and staying healthy. Please check in with the #CampusClear app every day.
Have a great Thanksgiving break next week. I will update you again when we all return.
Sincerely,
T. Dwayne McCay, Ph.D.
President & CEO
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